Julia Kimball Wood
Julia A. Kimball Wood, daughter of William H. Kimball and Amelia Lucy Pack. My father was born in Mendon, Ontario County, New York. Mother was born at Kirtland, Ohio. Her people were driven from Nauvoo at the time of the persecution when she was a small girl.
They came to Salt Lake with the early pioneers in 1847. My father was also a pioneer of 1847. My mother was married to William Kimball at the age of eighteen years, in 1857, in Salt Lake City. I was born in Salt Lake on March 9, 1858. Trouble arose and my parents separated when I was a baby. After some time my mother married Joseph Baker of Mendon, Utah. I was between three and four years of age when my mother and Mr. Baker settled in Mendon.
We lived in the Fort at the time of the Indian trouble, and lived through the hardships of early pioneers. We moved from the Fort into the city.
My mother had nine children by Joseph Baker, I being the oldest of the family, lots of responsibility was placed upon me, and I helped with the family and helped keep the home together. My mother died in 1873 leaving eight children. I stayed home and took care of the children and home until my stepfather was married again to Mary Morgan.
I was married to Joseph T. Wood November 8, 1875. This union was blessed with seven children, five boys and two girls, four of whom are living.
Most of the men at that time owned a few head of sheep. After shearing time the women would work the wool until it was made into cloth. I have done spinning, weaving, and knitting. I have also made butter, cheese, and candles. I have been a member of the Ward Choir since Adam Smyth’s day. I was a teacher in the first Religion Class for three years. I took a great deal of pleasure in working with the children.
I was a teacher in the Relief Society for a short time, my companion being Sister Elizabeth Rowe. My second companion was Sister Agnew Richards, but I wasn’t a teacher long as I was chosen to be second counselor to Sister Maria Baker in their Presidency. After the Relief Society was reorganized with Mary I. Sorensen as president, I was chosen as her first counselor. In all, I was in the presidency for 24 years. I enjoyed by work very much, and with thee help of the Lord I feel like I accomplished what was required of me. I am still a member taking an active part whenever I can.
When the Daughters of the Pioneers was first organized, Mary Jensen was president and I was one of her counselors. I am pleased to think that I am able to hold an office today. I am one of a committee that gathers relics for our relic hall. I am thankful that I belong to that wonderful organization of the noble pioneers that have worked so hard and been so united in making the wilderness blossom like a rose. I am now 71 years of age.
